Tour de Air Force flags off today

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka’s premier annual national cycling event, the Tour de Air Force three-day race will commence today from Negombo.

The event is being held in line with the 75th Anniversary of the Air Force. As in previous years, foreign Air Force cyclists are expected to participate, with riders from Russia, India and the Emirates confirmed for this year’s race.

Organised by the Cycling Union of the Air Force, the 424.2-kilometre Tour will be conducted in three stages covering Negombo, Puttalam, Dambulla and Colombo.

According to the official schedule, the first stage on February 27 will cover 133.4 kilometres from Negombo to Puttalam via Kochchikade, Madampe, Chilaw and Madurankuliya.

The second stage on February 28 will span 143.1 kilometres from Puttalam to Dambulla via Karuwalagaswewa, Thalawa and Kekirawa.

The third and final stage on March 1 will cover 147.7 kilometres from Dambulla to Colombo, passing Moragolla, Kurunegala, Meerigama, Miriswatta, Delgoda and Koswatta, before finishing near the Air Force headquarters.

In addition to the men’s tour, the 15th edition of the women’s race will be held on March 1 from Meerigama to Colombo, covering a distance of 82.2 kilometres.

The Tour de Air Force is recognised as the only annual men’s and women’s cycling Tour conducted within a fixed time frame in Sri Lanka.

Air Force stated that more than 150 top male and female riders affiliated with the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka are expected to compete.

A total of Rs. 5.3 million in cash prizes and allowances will be awarded to the winners according to the organisers.

At last year’s edition, Chamod de Silva of Police won the overall men’s title, while Dinesha Dilrukshi of the Air Force clinched the women’s one-day race.